Senator Brown seeks review of FDA Fast Track drug designation

"U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown has asked the research arm of Congress for information on the Fast Track designation to help determine whether a case exists for changing or eliminating the 10-year-old initiative that was intended to speed the availability of drugs for serious diseases." (Source: "U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown seeks information on Fast Track drug initiative," The Plain Dealer, Jan. 10, 2008.) The move follows a series of reports in The Plain Dealer which showed the Fast Track designation from the Food and Drug Administration "provides little actual benefit to consumers. The newspaper found that the designation has amounted to a government blessing, which has served as a marketing tool for drug companies and a boon for investors looking to make quick money on the stock market." Brown said his research request will provide an assessment of Fast Track's impact in preparation for discussions with his Senate colleagues on the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.